Test Drive Opel Astra Sedan 1998 - 2008 Sedan

Fresh Astra.

The new, third generation of Opel Astra's generation does not have almost nothing to do with the predecessor.

She looks and rides differently. It has the latest electronic systems and offers this level of security and comfort that it is time to talk about the next breakthrough in the C-class. In any case, the company from Rüsselsheim made a brave and strong move, offering the market is not well forgotten old, and something truly new, in my opinion, is quite capable of letting competitors and strengthen the new image of Opel.

Astra-Class

With a close acquaintance with the car, I seem to understand what the designers and designers were guided by creating a new Astra. They did not go on the traditional path, in which each regular generation of the model necessarily reminds the previous one, and as if they looked around, listened to the modern rhythm of life and decided to forget the material passed. Everything is simple: we began to live faster, we need to have more time, but at the same time we demand and better comfort so that it suddenly did not overcome fatigue. Hence the fundamental principles of the construction of a new car rapidness, security and convenience. It remains to embody all this in the C-class on a European classification, in which, as you know, an important role is played by the availability of the car, that is, its price. And the fact that Opel did for 15,200 euros (the starting cost of Astra in Germany) cannot not be impressed.

If we talk about the appearance, then the courage of designers, especially deserves praise that the previous generation of the model and today looks at the roads by no means rarity, and will give odds to many classmates. But what to raise about the past, if the best is ahead? Therefore, fresh Astra looks quite original. And parallels with Vectra, Meriva or Signum if justified, then only from the point of view of a new corporate style, and in a very general understanding. Astra product in many respects is completely independent.

We look unbiased on the exterior, and agree that sportiness in it is more than solidity, although this does not take away. At the same time, Astra attracts a look not so much with some separate designer research, how much the feeling of the appearance of the appearance, it has at first sight to himself, like a beautiful girl, not tolding smile. And somehow it is immediately felt that it will not be bored and comfortable with it (this is about the car).

The way to ensure additional comfort is known to increase the dimensions, and here Opel went to the record, offering the largest wheelbase of 2614 mm in the class. The new Astra is 140 mm longer, by 44 mm wider, and 35 mm above the preceding model. As a result, the width of the salon at the shoulder level increased by 30 mm, the rear passengers received an additional 17 mm for the feet, and the ceiling was removed from their heads by as much as 40 mm. At the same time, the car did not look like a minivan, as it happens more and more often, the coefficient of aerodynamic resistance is also one of the best in class CX \u003d 0.32. Yes, and the trunk is not a small 380 liters with a normal layout and 1300 with a folded back seat. True, only if instead of a full-sized spanking in the trunk is a tire repair kit, which is an option. Otherwise, 350 and 1270 liters, still not bad. By the way, the backs of the rear seats can be laid out in the proportion of 40/20/40, and if they are folded, an absolutely smooth area is formed.

All these figures turned into real sensations, it was worth us to land at the airport of San Tropez. At our disposal, there was a limited number of cars, so it was necessary to stay in one Astra four. I do not know if it was so conceived, but I, and my colleagues instantly appreciated the capacity of the car, without any problems placing all the bags in the trunk, and comfortably settled in. Sitting behind felt more than freely, at the rich conversation about the delights of the southern coast of France and the benefits of the car before competitors. I, sitting behind the wheel and rubbed behind a boring truck, studied the interior and got used to the car.

Not all business class cars can boast such a cozy and well-trimmed interior. And the comparison with the Astra of the last generation, which I walked the wilts, because I own this car, forced me to state that we are not just about progress or logical development, but about a new approach to the organization and making of the cabin. Take, for example, the front seats. On his car, there would be an opportunity, I would lower them below and strengthened the degree of lateral support. In the novelty, all that is exactly what is done as if in my order. In addition, the seats are separated by the skin and pleasant to the touch cloth are equipped with a mass of adjustments, including allowing the level of inflation to the lumbar back. However, one of the most powerful versions of almost maximum configuration came into my hands.

In fact, when developing various versions of Astra, Opel specialists used the results of a market research conducted in several European countries, the purpose of which was to identify the causes of the client to buy a particular car. The results were curious. For example, it turned out that tastes do not depend on age or nationality. The most important factor is the lifestyle and the corresponding values \u200b\u200bthat, in turn, can be divided into the following categories: functionality, harmony, sportiness, elegance, luxury and even avant-gardeness.
In accordance with this, a strategy was developed that the options did not combine the equipment in the packages entirely depends on the client's requirements, but offered the levels of Astra, Enjoy, Elegance, Sport and Cosmo. I will not fulfill the transfer of all the differences. This is the task of dealers. I repeat only that in several cars of various levels I invariably marked comfort, thought out to the trifles of ergonomics and, perhaps, even the highning of the finish. No, for example, plastic part, whether it is the front panel, buttons or handles, does not doubt the high quality of the source material. Graphite, in powerful modifications, inserts on torpedo and door sidewalls, aluminum on the thresholds everything looks not cheap. In addition, the interior is perfectly harmonized with the appearance of the car. Plus, the German quality gaps are ideal, not to do something.

Small in diameter and rather thick ram with characteristic protractions grip is adjustable in all directions. The three-spoke steering wheel has chrome inserts and audio control buttons, onboard computer and navigation. The instrument shield is simple and functional three round dial in chrome-plated rim tachometer, speedometer and fuel level index. It is a pity (well, I used to him!), Dial disappeared, indicating the temperature of the engine replaced with an additional control light. On the left, the headlight headlight control unit, which, by the way, can be equipped with the Adaptive Driving Light (AFL) system, automatically changing the direction of the light beam, depending on the degree of rotation of the steering wheel.

The relevant ram, at the top of the central console, is located a display of 6.5 inches diagonally or monochrome diagonally, which also depends on the level of execution. All data of the audio system, onboard computer and navigation are displayed on it. Just below the number of buttons responsible for various auxiliary functions heated front armchairs, central locking, Park-Tronic, etc. I, for example, I really liked the Sport button, but a little later. First, I first note a very well-sound audio system and the climate control unit next behind it. It is important that the procedure for placing all buttons and controls is very logical than you use more often, it is convenient for the rest. I, as a man of smoking, disappointed only the ashtray is small and narrow, get into it, without being distracted by the road, almost impossible. Eh, and in fact it's time to quit smoking but the shape and short course of the lever of a 6-speed manual gearbox is exactly what is required for active driving.

With the wind!

The road to the hotel convinced me that on a powerful Astra with a turbocharged 2.0 liter engine, you can get calmly. But this, you see, not enough for the completeness of sensations. Therefore, throwing things in the room, I decided to leave this one of this 170-strong version. (A little later, a 200-strong option of the same motor will appear. Accompanied by the envious glances of the French, we left the San Tropez, once again at the familiar on the films with Louis de Funes, the building of the Gendarmerie, and headed towards the nearest mountain range. Even in the city, I drew attention to the stiffness of the suspension of the sports version of Astra pit and rods, found on narrow streets, felt clearly. But personally, I was more pleased with such settings than they were upset, promising enjoyment on the devices.

So it turned out to be controlled by car on winding tracks thanks to a rather acute steering and the practical absence of rolls in the turns was not lost for a moment. A clear gear selection mechanism, a short passage of clutch pedals and a turbine, starting to work with 2000 rpm, and provoked to the attack. A sharply regained the car in front of another turn, at the same time making sure the brake system capabilities, up to the third, and again the gas pedal to the floor. True, I remember about caution: to our arrival, a group of the former fraternal country managed to fold for already three cars. Well, no one has suffered thanks to numerous safety pillows, a well-thought-in structure of power elements and an increased body rigidity in 52%.

To make it very good, I have long activated the Sport mode by clicking on the appropriate button. This mode is in cars equipped with an interactive IDS management system (Interactive Driving System). It works in a bundle with ESP and ABS, and also includes the CONTINUUS DAMPING CONTROL system, the latter constantly changes the degree of stiffness of the shock absorbers depending on the driving style and the state of the road canvase. In addition, ASTRA in this option can boast another rather funny system called UCL (Understeer Control Logic): when the effect of insufficient rotation, UCl first reduces the speed, reducing the supply of the fuel mixture, and then, if not enough, slows down the front wheels, Thus, by narrowing the rotation radius. I happened to feel the principle of her work, when one of the viorations was too cool for the selected speed on the panel flashed the yellow light and Astra sharply, but correctly, reduced the arc. Not bad!

So by clicking on the Sport button, the driver immediately will feel that the nature of the car has changed. The suspension at the moment becomes even tougher, the electric steering amplifier seems to be out of order, and only low-profile tires (with a diameter of 18 inches, notice), and the response to pressing the accelerator pedal is simply instantaneous. I even spent a small experiment: moving at one speed and without changing the position of the accelerator pedal, pressed the Sport button and the car began to accelerate, as if something was spurred. True, the characteristics of the motor are quite smooth, without pronounced pickups, but this is quite enough.

Serpentine left very pleasant impressions. But ahead well-visible smooth, slightly winding road. Sport mode is still enabled, thanks to which even at the limiting speeds under 200 km / h, the car behaves as predictably as possible. It is noteworthy that during the racing races never worked the ESP tire squeezed, there is already a slight slip, and the electronics is silent. However, I will post a search for the ESP threshold to a special route. In the meantime, a rested at the wheel of the version with a new engine of 1.6 Twinport.

Inside, there is still the same, only graphite inserts gave way to a plastic under the tree, and the black combination skin cream, in a look more expensive. Instead of 6-speed mechanics here, the Easytronic branded semi-automatic session, which, I confess, was not impressed with Opel Corsa. However, the creators argued that for Astra he was reconfigured, which turned out to be true. Of course, delay when switching from one stage to another is, especially in automatic mode. But if you go calmly and, as it is called, the motor does not get out, switching becomes smooth and practically not noticeable. When the Sport mode is enabled, and the IDC can be installed on all versions of Astra, the semi-automatic switch switches faster, but because it happens at higher motor turnover, the car starts a little more noticeable to twitch. You can move from one transmission to another and independently with the help of stealing petals, or moving the up / down lever. At the same time, you can leave the gas pedal, imitate the clutch work. After some training, it will be possible to achieve the desired speed and smoothness. It is also important that Astra with a 1.6 engine is also a very dynamic car.

Take off is allowed

Nevertheless, when on the first day, it is possible to try two of the four modifications offered during the test drive at once. Therefore, I was not at all upset in the morning, having received a car with a diesel engine. In addition, modern diesel engines are practically not inferior to gasoline force aggregates. So, with an obvious time shortage, Astra 1.9 CDTI helped me catch up to departure to call in a small town for a bottle of good French wine, and still have time to the airfield, where the test organizers gave the opportunity to cut down. By the way, during the parking lot in the center of the small settlement of St. Maxim, I realized how convenient HSA (Hill Start Assist). If the car stands on the rise, the electronics will support the pressure in the brake system, one and a half seconds after the driver release the brake pedal is quite enough to release the grip and press the accelerator. As soon as the car starts moving forward, the pressure is reset. In practice, it is almost always, especially if the bias are not too large, eliminates the need to use the handle of the parking brake.

As for the speed, with which the airfield managed to reach, then due to the 6-speed mechanics, a good torque and power of 150 liters. With. Version with a motor 1.9 CDTI is not much inferior to Astra Turbo. In terms of the following qualities, they are practically identical.

On the broad runway, we have already been waiting for four Astra, however, with an old gasoline engine of 1.8 liters. (125 liters), but with a new suspension, IDC system and 18-inch wheels. The first exercise is the so-called rearrangement, imitation of a sharp crossing of an obstacle at a speed of about 90 km / h, with returning to its lane. In normal mode, at such a speed, it starts to sill a little. Here is an ESP threshold, which is immediate, and most importantly comes into effect, selectively slowing down the wheels and stabilizing the trajectory. Activating Sport mode, and immediately note the machine is less coars the nose, and does not demonstrate the tendency to the drift. Sitting near the instructor was not against, and after a pair of exercises, the rearrangement was performed at a speed of 110 115 km / h. No problem!

Next, the imitation of the racing route with several turns, two straight and one pretty cool chic. Driving a few circles with the same instructor, I posted that I do not see the ESP shutdown button. As a result, the young German said: we are generally not allowed to report it, but if you press the Sport button and hold more than 5 seconds, then the stabilization system is completely disconnected, and the machine will remain in sports mode. Without electronic bridles, go to Astra even greater pleasure. Car reactions are predictable and understandable, moments of drift or demolition are perfect, they can be used in their own interests. However, what other result could be expected after a multi-closing suspension on the Nürburgring highway? Designers argue that the new Astra can withstand the side acceleration to 0.9 1 g, which is very good for the front-wheel drive, even a very good indicator. In any case, already quite adrenaline in the blood is already quite enough.

Finally, only I will say a few words about Astra 1.7 CDTI, on which I had the opportunity to go from one airport to another to fly to Moscow. It is noteworthy here not so much turbodiesel with a capacity of 100 liters. p., providing, to the Word, not bad dynamics, even with five steps in the checkpoint, how many practically basic equipment of the car. The sports chairs gave way to the usual with much smaller side support, but in which, thanks to the special tissue of poultry-soft, however, they do not grow much. The absence of IDC made a softer suspension, but there are still no complaints to the steering control. Door panels have fabric inserts instead of leather, and chrome rims around the dials on the instrument panel and disappeared at all. However, this did not make the interior of Astra more boring or less comfortable except that he simplified it.

Best-seller? Maybe

In my opinion, Opel made a highly competitive car. Forecasts, generally speaking, the case is ungrateful, but the risk to suggest that a worthy opponent and European, and Japanese cars, which in the C-class more than enough, and he must be ensured by success. Of course, the most important factor, especially in the Russian market, is the price. It seems to be with this Opel guessed, making his novelty at least a thousand euros cheaper than the main competitor VW Golf. As I managed to find out from representatives of the company, such a similar pricing policy will act almost in all markets, including Russian.

And still expensive? After all, the price for the current Astra, the reader will notice, begins with a mark of 13 thousand dollars, which is not a thousand, and two cheaper than the same VW Golf. So after all, the car is completely different, and the Opel brand itself is no longer the one before. I mean primarily the quality of cars. So, over the past three years, the number of warranty cases has decreased, according to corporate statistics, by 49%, and in 2003 decreased by another 24%. More than one billion euros was invested in the modernization of production. The resale value of the new generation of Opolev machines has recently increased significantly.

And from the point of view of service costs, the novelty looks attractive. The interservice interval for gasoline versions is increased to 30,000 km, and for diesel to 50,000. Although this largely depends on the individual style of driving about the need for a visit to the service will now remind the computer. In addition, the need to replace the coolant in the engine, refrigerant in the air conditioning system or transmission oil during the entire service life of the car is disappeared.

Another factor maintainability. While most competitors makes the entire blocks, Opel constructed the car in such a way that in case of damage, individual components can be changed, and not large nodes. For example, the headlights broken brackets on the screws can be replaced separately, while retaining the former block. For machines with xenon headlights, it is possible to replace control modules and electric motors for adjusting the angle of rotation of the light beam. And such examples mass.

Returning to the market prospects, I note that among the formidable competitors not only VW Golf, but also Toyota Corolla, Nissan Almera, Peugeot 307 and, of course, Ford Focus, whose new version should finally appear. Nevertheless, 50,000 applications collected in two weeks for a new Astra indicate good prospects for the model. In Russia, the official presentation is scheduled for May, the dealers will begin to take orders in the summer, and the first major batch of cars will come to us in August early.


Andrei Osipov
 

A source: "Car Izvestia"